EP. 38: Preeclampsia Isn't Random (What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You About Your Nervous System)

In this episode of Motherhood Aligned and Assigned, Dr. Serena Coffman and Dr. Veronica Schiltz expose what most doctors aren't discussing: the nervous system's role in preeclampsia. They explain the gas pedal (sympathetic) vs. brake pedal (parasympathetic) analogy—in pregnancy, you NEED the brake pedal working because your blood volume increases 30-50% and your body needs to adapt in massive ways. When chronic stress keeps you stuck on the gas pedal, blood vessels stay constricted, stress hormones stay elevated, and conditions like preeclampsia emerge. Research shows maternal stress can increase the risk up to 20 times. Dr. Serena's midwife said it's "random," but the data says otherwise. Discover what dysautonomia actually means, why you can't cognitive therapy your way out of fight or flight, the warning signs most moms miss (terrible sleep and heartburn before you're even showing), and why the moms who say "I'm fine" are often the most stressed (freeze/fawn response). You have more control than you think.

Timestamps:

00:25 Why Preeclampsia Is Rising

00:47 Gas and Brake Analogy

01:30 Pregnancy Needs Adaptation

02:24 Dysautonomia Explained

03:21 Stress Hormones and Vessels

04:40 Is It Really Random

05:49 Chiropractic and Stored Stress

07:15 Mindset vs Subconscious Stress

09:54 Hidden Stress Signs in Pregnancy

10:32 Different Stress Responses

12:02 Find Nervous System Care

12:49 Empowering Worried Moms

Resources Mentioned:

• PX Docs Directory

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Connect with Serena:

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• Facebook